Simon Harmer has signed a two-year contract extension with Essex, which will keep him there until the end of 2019.

According to the club’s official website, the Proteas spinner has fitted into the club seamlessly, both on and off the pitch since his arrival in March, so both parties had no hesitation in extending the 28-year-old’s contract.

Impressing with both disciplines in the County Championship, Harmer has taken nine wickets and helped saved two draws against Lancashire and Middlesex with the bat.

Chris Silverwood, Essex Cricket Head Coach, is thrilled to see Harmer extend his contract and said: ‘His capabilities with bat and ball are there for all to see, and he has also been an excellent influence on our younger players, passing on his experience.

‘Hopefully, as the pitches get harder and drier across the course of the summer, we will see Simon come to the fore and make match-winning contributions regularly.’

All-rounder Harmer did not have to think twice about signing a new contract and added: ‘Ever since I linked up with the squad in Dubai, everything has been great. Everyone at the club has made me feel welcome, so I had no hesitation in committing my future to Essex.

‘I see my long-term future in England, and I can’t envisage a better place to do it than here in Chelmsford.’

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